Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Glucose)
Description
A condition of low glucose in the blood. Hypoglycemia is caused by: 1) taking too much insulin or oral diabetic medications; 2) not eating or drinking enough; 3) liver disease; 4) a insulin producing tumor of the pancreas; 5) drinking alcohol. Sometimes no cause is found. If severe and untreated it can lead to stroke and death.
Symptoms
Hunger, irritability, confusion, unconsciousness, sweating, death.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Other tests depend on the cause of the low glucose.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- UA
- CT Scan
Treatment
Treatment ranges from a meal, oral glucose (sugar), glucagon, to intravenous glucose to raise the glucose level in the blood stream. The cause of the low blood sugar needs to be removed to prevent recurrence.
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